Earlier this year, the Office of the Surgeon General issued a report warning the public of risks related to alcohol consumption and certain types of cancer. It called for revisions to warning labels currently stamped on alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol consumption is currently the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S. As 2025 revisions to U.S. Dietary Guidelines are taking shape, the conversation has re-ignited debates about alcohol recommendations, and how they are presented to the public and to healthcare professionals.

Alcohol Intake

According to data published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), 224.3 million people ages 12 years and over report drinking alcohol at some point in their lives. Though, alcohol usage has changed in recent years. Gen Z drink less than their elders and Dry January has become an increasingly popular practice. Mocktails continue to make their way to social platforms, restaurant menus and store shelves.

Alcohol and Disease

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, there is a causal link between alcohol and seven types of cancer which includes breast cancer in women, and colorectal, esophageal, voice box, liver, mouth and throat. This advisory was not published in response to any new research findings; the data has been recognized by the medical community for several years.

Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian who specializes in oncology feels the warning labels are long overdue. “The call for a cancer warning label on alcohol is a necessary and science-backed public health measure,” says Andrews. “Alcohol is a known carcinogen, with strong evidence linking it to increased risks of several cancers, including breast, liver, colorectal and esophageal cancer. Yet, public awareness of this risk remains low,” she adds. Andrews also points out that while labels may not deter everyone, they may help raise awareness. “A clear, visible warning label would help bridge this gap, much like those on tobacco products. While it may not immediately change behavior, it would empower consumers to make informed choices — especially since many still believe moderate drinking is risk-free or even beneficial. Transparency in health risks is always a step in the right direction for public health.”

On the other hand, there is also longstanding evidence to support that when consumed in limited quantities, moderate consumption of alcohol may benefit heart health and reduce the risk of death from stroke. Taking all the research into consideration, the current U.S. dietary guidelines suggest that Americans who choose to drink should limit their alcohol intake to one serving a day or less for women, and two servings a day or less for men.

So, How Much Alcohol Should You Be Drinking?

The best guidance for alcohol consumption likely comes down to personal factors but experts do have strategies to help. Considering the current available research, Americans should make the personal decision to consume alcohol based on their lifestyle and medical history. When in doubt, consult with a qualified medical professional. “The most recent research indicates that there is no completely ‘safe’ threshold for alcohol consumption in relation to cancer risk — even light drinking can contribute to an increased risk,” says Andrews. But there is also the lifestyle aspect of social drinking that many people enjoy. Chris Mohr, PhD, RD and Co-Owner of Mohr Results, Inc. points out the celebratory ritual may be more crucial than the alcohol. Attending the function, but opting for non-alcoholic options that are available will help you still feel like you’re celebrating. After trying it out, you may “realize you aren’t missing out on much.”

Andrews also supports that it depends on the person. “The risk is cumulative and individual. While zero alcohol is the lowest-risk choice, those who choose to drink should do so infrequently and in minimal amounts. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends limiting alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men, but the safest approach for cancer prevention is to abstain or drink as little as possible.”

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